Chapter 15 of 51 · Uma Samhita · Overall chapter 329 of 464
The Nether Regions
Vyasa asks for the single donation that surpasses all others and is told it is 'donating the universe' - a philosophical reframing that leads into a detailed cosmography of the seven nether regions below the earth, culminating in the serpent Shesha/Ananta who holds up the entire globe, and Patala's beauty, said to exceed heaven's own.
Vyasa asked
Is there a single gift that gives the fruits of all gifts? For human benefit please tell me that gift.
Sanatkumara replied
Listen. There is a single gift which, if made at the right time, gives the fruits of all gifts. A man who wants liberation and wishes to cross samsara must give the universe. That is the best gift. A man who gives the universe gets the fruits of giving everything else, and by that single gift becomes lord of the seven worlds. A man who gives the universe with his relatives plays in heaven among the heaven-dwellers and enjoys agreeable things for as long as the moon and sun remain in the sky and the earth stands. After that he gains a destination with Madhava, very hard even for the gods to gain.
Vyasa said
Illustrious one, please tell me the size and nature of the universe and what supports it, so I can understand.
Sanatkumara replied
Sage, listen. I will tell of the highs and lows of the universe and its extent; even hearing it briefly frees one of sins. The cause is unmanifest but becomes manifest under the name of Shiva, who is free of fault. When this division occurs, in the course of time Brahma arises, and Brahma creates the universe of fourteen worlds. Son, I will tell it briefly; listen carefully. There are seven nether regions, Patala and the rest, and seven regions above. The universe's height is twice this and it stands in the midst of water. A serpent is its support and base, described as Vishnu, who by Brahma's words lights all the directions. Even gods and danavas cannot describe the qualities of the one called Shesha. Hosts of siddhas, gods and rishis worship him, and he is read of as Ananta. He has a thousand hoods, and the jewels on them light all directions. He is adorned with the bright svastika sign. His eyes roll in intoxication and he looks like flaming Mount Shveta, with garlands, a diadem and a single dazzling earring, beautiful as Shveta with the Ganga flowing down it. Intoxicated, he is clothed in blue and looks like another Kailasa. The tips of his hands rest on a plough and he has an excellent, radiant mace. Golden-complexioned naga maidens lovingly worship him. He is Rudra in the form of Samkarshana, blazing with the flames of a poisonous fire. At the end of a kalpa flames repeatedly come from his mouths, and after burning the three worlds he becomes calm, as we have heard. Radiant Shesha holds the globe of the earth on his back and is at the bottom of Patala. Shesha, lord of beings, is worshipped for his infinite qualities, and even the gods, however much they wish, cannot describe his valour and powers or even know his nature. His jewelled hoods are like red mountains and circle the whole earth like a flower garland. Who can speak of his valour? When Ananta, eyes rolling in intoxication, yawns, the earth with its mountains, oceans and forests begins to quake. Each of the nether regions is ten thousand yojanas: Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Rasatala, Tala, Talatala and Patala the seventh. The discerning should know these seven lie below the earth, full of jewels and twice as high as they are wide. The palaces are jewelled and the floors gold. Danavas, daityas, naga species and very fortunate rakshasas born of daityas live there. Narada came from Patala to an assembly in heaven and reported that the nether regions are more beautiful than heaven. There are many ornaments and very bright jewels there, sparkling and delightful. What equals Patala? It is adorned with lovely god and danava maidens, and even a liberated person rejoices there. By day the sun's rays do not exist there and by night there are no moonbeams. There is no heat or cold, only the energy of the jewels. Sage, the passage of time is not felt there. The residents enjoy food and drink in great happiness. There is the call of the male cuckoo, and lotus ponds full of lotuses, lovely rivers and lakes and other places to roam. The ornaments sparkle and the unguents are very fragrant. There are the sounds of singing and the playing of veenas, flutes and drums. Daityas and uragas enjoy happiness in Patala, and danavas, siddhas and humans reach that place through austerities.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.